There is Meaning in Suffering ~ by Ronnie Archer
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear how the prophet proclaims that the Lord opened his ear that he may hear; that the Lord God is his helper, providing him with the strength and persistence to stand up to any and all opposition. No one will prove him wrong.
The second reading is very clear about faith and works. If we say we have faith and then tell our neighbor who has no food, or nothing to wear, to "go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but do not help provide the necessities, what good is our faith? Faith without works is dead!
In the Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus questioning His disciples, to see just who people thought He was. He heard some of them answering, "John the Baptist," "Elijah;" but Jesus wanted to know who did they say He was. Peter replied to him, "You are the Christ." Jesus, knowing that it would not be safe for them to say that in public, told them not to tell anyone.
Jesus was very clear to them about His having to endure great suffering, as well as be rejected by the chief priests and elders, and be put to death. The disciples thought that suffering was the result of sin. Peter's idea of the Messiah was not in line with Jesus; and knowing Jesus was sinless, Peter did not understand why He, whom he knew to be the Messiah, was telling them that. Peter then took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus then rebuked Peter, saying, "get behind me, Satan, you are thinking as humans do." Peter did not accept the need for Jesus' suffering.
None of us wishes to suffer, but if we are true Christians, with profound faith, then we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross and truly follow Jesus every day; oftentimes, that includes suffering. There is meaning in suffering. It connects us to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the path of salvation.
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it." Mark 8:35
~ Jesus by Rembrandt van Rijn ~
The second reading is very clear about faith and works. If we say we have faith and then tell our neighbor who has no food, or nothing to wear, to "go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but do not help provide the necessities, what good is our faith? Faith without works is dead!
In the Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus questioning His disciples, to see just who people thought He was. He heard some of them answering, "John the Baptist," "Elijah;" but Jesus wanted to know who did they say He was. Peter replied to him, "You are the Christ." Jesus, knowing that it would not be safe for them to say that in public, told them not to tell anyone.
Jesus was very clear to them about His having to endure great suffering, as well as be rejected by the chief priests and elders, and be put to death. The disciples thought that suffering was the result of sin. Peter's idea of the Messiah was not in line with Jesus; and knowing Jesus was sinless, Peter did not understand why He, whom he knew to be the Messiah, was telling them that. Peter then took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus then rebuked Peter, saying, "get behind me, Satan, you are thinking as humans do." Peter did not accept the need for Jesus' suffering.
None of us wishes to suffer, but if we are true Christians, with profound faith, then we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross and truly follow Jesus every day; oftentimes, that includes suffering. There is meaning in suffering. It connects us to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the path of salvation.
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it." Mark 8:35
~ Jesus by Rembrandt van Rijn ~
Labels: ordinary time, sundayreflection
posted by mary ann @ Monday, September 14, 2009
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